[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 91 (Tuesday, May 25, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E577]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CONGRATULATING THE TOWN OF CLAYTON ON THE COMPLETION OF THE CEROW 
                    RECREATION PARK ARENA RENOVATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 25, 2021

  Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Town of 
Clayton on the completion of the Cerow Recreation Park Arena addition 
and renovation project. Additionally, I rise to recognize Leonard 
``Obie'' O'Brien as the new wing is dedicated in his honor.
  The renovation and addition were made possible through funding from 
the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development program. 
The Town of Clayton also received grants from Empire State Development 
and the state Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historical Preservation 
through the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative. I am 
grateful that these sources of funding are available to support 
infrastructure updates and economic development projects in rural areas 
such as our district. Community gathering spaces are the foundation of 
our North Country community and foster a sense of neighborly spirit. 
This renovation will also increase the economic impact made by the park 
arena, attracting more visitors and events to the space, promising 
prosperity for the Town. Local businesses truly are the backbone of the 
North Country and I will continue working in Congress to support them.
  The newly named Leonard ``Obie'' O'Brien wing is aptly dedicated in 
recognition of the many years of service Obie gave to the Clayton 
sports community. Obie operated the girls' basketball program for 25 
years, Clayton Minor Hockey for 14 years, and the Clayton Youth 
Commission for 4 years. He founded the local Maverick Ski Club and was 
selected as Clayton's Citizen of the Year in 2003. Regrettably, Obie 
passed away in June 2020 after a battle with cancer before the 
completion of the renovation. With the many years Obie had spent in 
this complex, I believe he would be honored to be remembered so fondly.
  On behalf of New York's 21st Congressional District, I would like to 
congratulate the Town of Clayton on the successful completion of this 
project. I hope that every person who walks through these doors looks 
to the example that Obie left and embodies his love for the game and 
above all his kindness to everyone he encountered.

                          ____________________